Mission Statement:
The objectives of the program are to support the emotional wellbeing of students and the broader school community through the provision of pastoral care.
Background:
The school community has chosen to employ a Schools Chaplain funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program. Government funding provides for an addition to the staff at Temora High and Temora Public School for 10 hours per week. A further 10 hours is provided through community funding.
Nisha Reid is our selected chaplain and has worked at THS since 2016.
Nisha has been involved in a number of programs, all contributing to the well-being of students at Temora HS. * Breakfast club - each Thursday morning before school. Nisha provides a simple breakfast for students. This has allowed physical nutrition, as well as conversations, social support and a general check up on students as they come into school * LST meetings - Nisha participates in these meetings and is part of the referral network for students requiring additional assistance. Nisha sees a number of students from these referrals, assisting them to cope with school and life pressures. Along with the rest of the LST team, Nisha assists students in Homework DEAR * Social support - Nisha speaks with DP and Principal as well as other staff, gaining appreciation of students who need additional support. Nisha is able to meet up with students out of class or during school breaks to offer support.
* Lunchtime games - Nisha also involves participating students in board/card games in the library during lunch break to encourage social participation.
* Seasons for Growth – is a peer support network run by Nisha for those learning to manage grief and loss in their lives
All of these programs and conversations support students at school and have helped with improved attendance and engagement with school.
The School Welfare Chaplain works closely with the School Welfare Team and the School Counsellor under the direct guidance of the Deputy Principal Kylea Rowing at Temora High School and Principal Sharon Reardon at Temora Public School.
Participation in any program or service conducted by the School Welfare Chaplain is voluntary. Families may opt out by contacting either the Deputy Principal at THS or the Principal of TPS.
The School Welfare Chaplain will
• Operate within and promote the core values in NSW Public Schools (integrity, excellence, respect, responsibility, cooperation, participation, care, fairness, democracy)
• Respond to referrals from staff and school welfare teams with a view to providing care and support
• Provide comfort and appropriate referral in times of grief and other critical events
• Listen to students and staff who express a desire to share concerns
• Support all whole school student wellbeing initiatives including camps, assemblies and other relevant initiatives and programs.
• Support students and staff in their learning environments e.g. Library, classes, sport
• Respond to student queries about spirituality whilst respecting their family's convictions
• Refer students, families and staff to appropriate welfare resources in line with student wellbeing protocols.
Complaints Procedure:
The School Welfare Chaplain is subject to the Code of Conduct outlined by DEEWR in the document: National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Guidelines.
Any complaints about the performance of the School Welfare Chaplain will be handled according to the DEC Complaints procedure in conjunction with those outlined by DEEWR in the document: National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Guidelines.
Initial concerns would be raised with the School Principal or Deputy Principal, as the direct supervisor of the School Welfare Chaplain. In this way the School Welfare Chaplain is considered similarly to any staff member.
The Supervisor will maintain the confidential complaints log as the Complaints Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does ‘Chaplain' mean? Chaplain = someone who provides care and comfort
What is ‘pastoral care' mean? Pastoral care is defined in the Agreement with the Commonwealth as:
"the practice of looking after the personal needs of students, not just their academic needs, through the provision of general spiritual and personal advice."
What does ‘spiritual comfort' mean? Spiritual comfort = care and comfort provided in a manner sensitive to the students' needs at the time of care
How can I find out about the program at THS? Communication about the School Welfare Chaplain and their role will appear in a school newsletter twice each term during each year and be permanently available on the school website. More information is available from the following website. https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/whole-school-approach/wellbeing-support/nscp